1.Don't take a newborn puppy away from the mother as soon as it's whelped. Let the bitch lick the puppy, to distract her from the pain of the next pup being delivered.

2.A pregnant and nursing bitch will need to relieve herself much more often than usual. Be prepared to let your bitch outside frequently. As a precaution, locate the whelping box in a room without carpet for easier clean-up.

3.When the time approaches to let your puppies go to their new homes, start putting a few puppies together in a crate at night. The transition to their new home will be easier if they are already used to being separated from their dam when they sleep.

4.Handle your puppies at least once a day. Massage their feet to get them used to nail clipping. Roll them on their backs to teach them to trust people.

5.Monitor your pups carefully to make sure that each one is latching on and nursing vigorously within 24 hours after birth.